Lotus Pose (Padmasana)

The Lotus Pose is said to have been routinely used by Buddha and is a popular meditation pose. It may be uncomfortable at first until your ligaments extend. It's a common misconception that meditation should be done in the Lotus Pose, so if it is too difficult, any other seated pose will work well. This is one of the basic yoga postures, so take your time becoming comfortable in it.
How to do it
Bring your right foot onto your left thigh. Bounce the right knee and, if it touches the floor with ease, bend your left knee and grab your left foot with both hands and place it on your right thigh. Your hands should rest on your knees, either open or forming a mudra.

Benefits of this pose: http://www.parentingweekly.com/pregnancy/breathingspace/vol11/pregnancy_exercise.asp

Food for Good Health

Many common grains and nuts are full of beneficial vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are especially important for you and your baby during pregnancy and can help relieve many unpleasant pregnancy symptoms. So try adding the following foods to your diet for better health. (Always talk to your doctor before adding anything unusual to your diet while you are pregnant.)
Walnuts
Walnuts not only improve the flavor of salads, soups and entrees, they are also highly nutritious and even medicinal. Raw walnuts are loaded with vitamin E and antioxidants, as well as folic acid, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and omega 3 fatty acids. They are also are an important source of monounsaturated fats and pack a lot of protein and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6 inside that little shell. They also help to lower levels of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, and have been used to calm hysteria and reduce morning sickness. Because they provide many of the elements that the body requires but cannot manufacture, walnuts are considered an essential food to include in a healthy diet.
Flax Seed
Mixing 1 to 2 tablespoons of flaxseed or ground flaxseed powder into foods up to three times per day is a gentle way to treat constipation. Flaxseeds contain essential fatty acids and DHA (docosahexanoic acid), which are important for fetal and infant brain development.
Almonds
Chewing on raw almonds and swallowing the liquid can relieve heartburn. They also provide a nutritious snack packed with dietary fiber, protein, more vitamin A and E than any other nut, and the most powerful and absorbable form of vitamin E. Not least of all, almonds are cholesterol free!
Alfalfa
Because of its deep root system, alfalfa is a great source of protein and important nutrients such as vitamins K and C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and chlorophyll. Research suggests that it may remove from your liver and small intestines chemical carcinogens found in food before they have a chance to do your body any harm. Alfalfa is also effective as a digestive stimulant and may help ease morning sickness, as well as fatigue and muscle tenderness when used directly on the skin or added to a bath. Although it has a flavor that may not appeal to everyone, it is safe to eat in moderation throughout pregnancy; however, many alfalfa extracts contain high amounts of alcohol and should be avoided during pregnancy. Alfalfa may be particularly beneficial in late pregnancy because the vitamin K it contains promotes blood clotting, which reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.
Bran
The National Cancer Institute recommends eating 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily, yet the typical American diet contains only 7 to 8. Eating a fiber-rich diet is especially important during pregnancy because it can help prevent and treat two common pregnancy conditions: constipation and gestational diabetes. One of the best ways to get enough fiber in your diet is to consume bran and bran products every day. Wheat bran is a good source of insoluble fiber, which can relieve constipation; while oat bran is a good source of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber breaks down as it passes though the digestive tract, forming a gel that traps and removes cholesterol, which may decrease your risk of heart disease.
Dandelion Root and Leaves
Dandelion root and leaves (taraxacum officinale) traditionally have been used to alleviate nausea, calm an upset stomach, and gently promote bowel movements. Dandelion greens are also considered to be highly nutritious, containing more beta-carotene than carrots and more iron and calcium than spinach. They are also a great source of vitamins B 1,2,5, 6 and 12; vitamin C, E, and D; biotin and inositol (promotes the health of cell membranes); potassium; phosphorus; magnesium and zinc. In addition, the dandelion root promotes the flow of bile, reduces inflammation of the bile duct, helps eliminate gallstones, reduces liver swelling, and serves as a gentle diuretic that aids kidney function.

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Heart Health is a Laughing Matter

It turns out, whoever said "laughter is the best medicine" wasn't too far off the mark - at least where the heart is concerned. A recent study revealed that laughing has surprisingly beneficial effects on your heart.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore studied 20 healthy, young adults who watched 15 to 30 minute segments of either funny or sad movies. After watching humorous clips, the researchers observed increased blood flow in 19 of the participants that was comparable to performing aerobic exercise or beginning a cholesterol-lowering statin treatment. The researchers also found that watching a good tearjerker had the opposite effect, actually lowering 14 of the participants' brachial blood flow an amount equivalent to remembering periods of anger or doing mental arithmetic.
Before the study commenced, the participants were tested and were all found to have normal blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels. They were also asked to fast overnight and refrain from aerobic exercise or consuming alcohol, vitamins or herbs the evening before the viewings, since these can all affect blood flow.
Prior to seeing a movie, the volunteers were tested for their blood vessel reactivity in order to measure what is known as flow-mediated vasodilation. During the test, blood flow in the brachial artery in the arm was restricted by a blood pressure cuff and then suddenly released. An ultrasound device was then used to measure how well the blood vessel responded to the abrupt increase in flow. The brachial artery runs from the shoulder to the elbow and is a good indicator of blood flow throughout the body. Researchers collected a total of 160 measurements of brachial artery flow from the participants a minute before and after phases of laughter or sadness.
Volunteers watched each segment of the movies while lying down in a temperature-controlled room, after which the brachial artery was tested for blood vessel reactivity. Each volunteer was shown part of two movies at the extreme ends of the emotional spectrum, randomized to first watch either a movie that would cause mental stress, such as the opening scene of "Saving Private Ryan," or a segment of a movie that would cause laughter, such as "King Pin." At least 48 hours later, they were shown a movie intended to produce the opposite emotional extreme. Overall, average blood flow increased 22 percent during laughter, and decreased 35 percent during mental stress.
"I think it would be reasonable for everybody to loosen up, and spend about 15 to 20 minutes a day laughing," said lead researcher Dr. Michael Miller, director of preventive cardiology at the University of Maryland. "The magnitude of change we saw in the endothelium is similar to the benefit we might see with aerobic activity, but without the aches, pains and muscle tension associated with exercise," says Dr. Miller. "We don't recommend that you laugh and not exercise, but we do recommend that you try to laugh on a regular basis."
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Nettles for pregnancy nutrition boost

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Drinking nettle infusion before and throughout pregnancy can gently loosen, dissolve, and eliminate any accumulated minerals in the kidneys, such as gravel or stones, as well as nourish and strengthen the kidneys. This is especially important during pregnancy because your kidneys must cleanse 150 percent of your normal blood supply.
Nettles are also known for reducing hemorrhoids, tightening and strengthening blood vessels, helping maintain arterial elasticity and improving venous resilience, and have historically been used to combat pregnancy-related anemia. They also increase fertility in women and men, diminish pain during and after birth, and increase the richness and quantity of breast milk. Their highly-absorbable calcium content also helps diminish muscle pain in the uterus and legs.
The high vitamin K content of nettles helps to elevate the amount of available hemoglobin in the blood, which can decrease the likelihood of postpartum bleeding. Some pregnant women alternate drinking nettle and raspberry brews; while others drink raspberry until the last month of their pregnancy and then switch to nettles to boost their vitamin K levels before birth.
Nettle leaves contain as much carotene and vitamin C as spinach, are thought to have more chlorophyll than any other herb, and provide significant amounts of vitamins A, D and K, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron and sulfur. When brewed as an infusion, it is a dark green color approaching black with a rich, deep taste.
Fresh nettles may be boiled or steamed (handle uncooked fresh nettle leaves with gloves to avoid being pricked) and served as a side dish, or dried leaves may be brewed into tea. Nettle juice and freeze-dried powdered nettles in capsules are also available at health food stores.

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The Spiritual Center

Sit in a comfortable sitting position, preferably cross legged.
Center your attention on the point located two inches below your navel, the spiritual center of the body.
Begin rocking back and forth slowly, decreasing the arc with each rock until you rest at your natural center of gravity.
Press your tongue on the upper palate. Breathe through your nose and taste your breath. Imagine your breath coming down into the spiritual center below your navel and returning.
Begin counting each inhalation and exhalation. Count to ten and then go back from ten to one, starting over once you reach one. If any thoughts arise, acknowledge it and let it pass by returning to the count.
Each time you redirect your thoughts, you are giving yourself the power to put your mind where you want it.

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Broccoli: The Nutritious Warrior

Many nutritionists have dubbed broccoli a "SuperFood" - and with good reason. This tasty, versatile and nutrient-packed member of the cabbage family packs a strong anti-oxidant punch that can help fight many types of cancer, while also providing a hefty dose of calcium for strong bones and folic acid to prevent birth defects.
Broccoli contains the phytonutrients sulforaphane and indoles, which have been shown to effectively fight many types of cancer. Indole-3-carbinol has been found to deactivate an estrogen metabolite that promotes tumor cell growth, while increasing levels of a cancer protective form of estrogen called 2-hydroxyestrone. It also inhibits the movement of cancerous cells through the body.
Sulforaphane boosts detoxification enzymes to clear potentially carcinogenic substances from the body more quickly, while halting cell growth and increasing the self-destruct mechanism in abnormal cells. New research has shown that this phytonutrient can help repair sun damaged skin as well.
When broccoli is cut, chewed or digested, it releases glucose along with compounds that help to break down food, including isothiocyanates, which stimulate enzymes in the liver that detoxify carcinogens. One form of isothiocyanates, known as allyl isothicyanate, inhibits cell division while encouraging the self-destruct function in abnormal cells. These characteristics make regular consumption of broccoli a tasty way to reduce your risk of many types of cancer, including breast, prostate, colorectal and lung.
Broccoli is especially good to consume during pregnancy. It is packed with nutrients and an excellent source of calcium (74 mg per cup), vitamins C (124 mg per cup) K, and A, folate (94 mcg per cup) and fiber. The high calcium content helps to build and maintain healthy bones for your baby and you, while the folic acid helps prevent spina bifida and other birth defects, and the fiber content helps relieve constipation. Broccoli's high beta-carotene content helps fortify your immune system and promotes clear skin. Broccoli is also a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins E and B6.
It is estimated that about 50 percent of Americans are infected with a bacterium known as H. pylori, which can cause ulcers and damage DNA. Eating broccoli sprouts has been found to suppress this potentially deadly bacterium and relieve the gastritis associated with it. Broccoli sprouts also provide 10-100 times the sulfur-containing phytonutrients as mature broccoli to detoxify carcinogens and boost enzymes.

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Go Bananas

Bananas aren't just a convenient and tasty snack, they're loaded with nutrients. Their high levels of potassium and vitamin B6 as well as their ability to calm stomach acids and improve digestion make them a perfect pregnancy snack.
The banana plant belongs to the same family as the lily and orchid and grows 10-26 feet high. The fruit of the banana plant is not the only edible or useful part of the plant. The banana flower is often used in Southeast Asian cuisine and the tender core of the banana plant's trunk is used to make a Burmese dish. In addition, the banana's leaves are large, flexible and waterproof, which is why they are often used to wrap food during cooking and serve as make-shift umbrellas in tropical regions. The Japanese use the fibers of the tender leaves and shoots to make textiles and yarns. In Nepal, people use the fibers of the trunk to create fine hand-crafted rugs.
The banana is packed with dietary fiber as well as approximately 467 mgs of potassium (pregnant women need 2000 mg of potassium daily). Bananas are also a significant source of vitamins A, B6 and C, pectin (a soluble fiber), and manganese.
Studies have shown that a mixture of banana and milk suppresses stomach acid secretion significantly, helping to protect against ulcers. Researchers have also found that fresh bananas help to protect animals' stomachs from wounds. Bananas promote the production of the cells that make up stomach lining, producing a thicker mucus shield against acids, and so-called "protease inhibitors" in bananas help to eliminate the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers.
Bananas can help promote colon health as well, due to their fructooligosaccharide content. Fructooligosaccharide is called prebiotic because it has been found to nourish the probiotic (friendly) bacteria in the colon. These bacteria improve your colon's ability to absorb nutrients and protect it from unfriendly microorganisms. In a study of male babies between 5 and 12 months old who had persistent diarrhea, researchers found that green banana and apple pectin decreased stool weights by 50 percent, indicating more nutrients were being absorbed before elimination.
During pregnancy, eating foods high in potassium, such as bananas, can help reduce pregnancy-related swelling of the extremities. It's believed that leg cramps, one of the most unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy, might be relieved by increasing the intake of potassium-rich foods. In addition, the vitamin B6 found in bananas has been shown to help relieve morning sickness. They also balance electrolytes and are a great source of energy.
Vitamin B6 is also essential for the development and operation of our bodies. It is vital to the development of your baby's central nervous system, is a key component during the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters GABA, dopamine, and serotonin and is essential for proper immune system functioning and the ability of hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body's tissues.
The increased calcium loss produced by the typical American high-salt diet can be combated by consuming more potassium-rich foods such as bananas. The heart and circulatory system require potassium to maintain normal blood pressure and heart function. The vitamin A carotenoids found in ripe bananas can also help protect from certain cancers, heart disease and diabetes. Look for vibrant golden bananas, which contain the most carotenoids.

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Apples

You've probably heard the old saying "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away," and may have dismissed it as another archaic old wives' tale. But as scientists are discovering, there may be some truth to it! This popular member of the rose family may help fight cancer and heart disease; protect against sunburn, asthma, and diabetes; and relieve constipation. And a recent study found that eating apples during pregnancy can protect your unborn baby from developing asthma and other lung problems later on in life.
Apples' antioxidant flavonoids may help prevent certain types of cancer. When scientists at University of California at Davis added apple extracts to cultures of human endothelial cells (the cells that line our arteries and are the first defense against cancer), the human cells were protected against the effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a compound that triggers cell death and promotes inflammation. The apple extracts actually blocked the signals sent from the tumor that kill cells. The high antioxidant content in apples also helps to eliminate free radicals from the body.
The phenols found in apples may also provide UV-B protection. Studies found that Braeburn apples in particular help protect the skin from sun damage. So eating an apple before going to the beach might be a good way to reduce the risk of sunburn.
Recent studies have discovered apples may have a beneficial affect on lung function in adults and fetuses. One study found that men who ate apples had a lung capacity 138 milliliters greater than those who did not. While another study found that mothers who consumed apples during their pregnancy were less likely to have children who suffer from asthma and wheezing. Scientists believe that the high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory flavonoids, such as quercitin and catechin, are responsible for apples' beneficial affects on lung function, bronchial hypersensitivity and asthma.
Apple season runs from late summer to late fall in the northern hemisphere...

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Asparagus for folic acid!

Asparagus has been prized for its delicate taste and nutritional benefits for nearly 2000 years. It has the highest folic acid content of any vegetable, making it a perfect food during pregnancy. It is also a natural diuretic, laxative, and may promote cardiovascular health.
Asparagus is a member of the lily family and related to onions and garlic. The tender spears that we eat grow from an underground crown, which can take up to three years to develop enough to produce shoots; but once it begins, the crown can continue to produce spears for up to 20 years.
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed asparagus could relieve toothaches and bee stings, and while these medicinal benefits have proven false, asparagus can help prevent and relieve other health conditions. Asparagus contains key minerals and amino acids that act as a natural diuretic, which may help relieve PMS-related water retention, arthritis and rheumatism. Its high fiber content may help prevent and relieve constipation, and it contains a particular type of amino acid that helps to neutralize ammonia in the body, which can be toxic and cause fatigue. It also contains rutin, a bioflavonoid, which strengthens blood vessels and prevents their rupture, and is a good source of potassium which can help fight hypertension and quell exercise-related nausea by balancing electrolyte levels.
The high folic acid content in asparagus may play a key role in promoting cardiovascular health. Folic acid has been shown to decrease homocysteine levels in the blood and to improve endothelial function (blood flow) in blood vessels. Homocysteine is a naturally-occurring amino acid, elevated levels of which have been linked to coronary heart disease and stroke. Some scientists estimate that consuming 400 mcg of folate daily could reduce the number of heart attacks suffered by Americans each year by 10 percent.
The folic acid found in asparagus is also necessary for new cell formation and maintenance as well as DNA replication, which are especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as pregnancy. Folic acid deficiency has been linked with neural tube defects, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. Some studies show that folic acid may also help prevent stroke, some cancers, and possibly Alzheimer's disease.
The inulin content of asparagus may also promote intestinal tract health. We are unable to digest inulin, a certain type of carbohydrate, but the beneficial bacteria in our intestine can, which causes more of these good bacteria to grow and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. The proliferation of these good bacteria can help you to digest food and fight off illness.
It takes only one cup (approximately 5.3 ounces) of asparagus to supply 66 percent of the daily recommended dose of folic acid, and it is also a great source of vitamins C, E and A, and vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6, as well as dietary fiber, iron, manganese, copper, and phosphorous.

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Olive Oil's Bountiful Benefits

Olea europaea, also known as the olive tree, has been a source of food, wood, fuel and medicine for civilizations since approximately 3000 B.C and has become a symbol of peace and wisdom throughout the world. The oil produced from its olives is used extensively in Mediterranean diets and may be the cause of lower rates of heart disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, asthma and certain types of cancer in that region's population.
Olive oil is made from crushing and pressing olives. Extra virgin is the unrefined oil made from the first pressing and has the most delicate flavor and highest phyto-nutrient and antioxidant content. Virgin is also derived from the first pressing but has a higher acidity level than extra virgin, fewer phyto-nutrients and a less delicate flavor. Pure olive oil is a bit of a misnomer as it actually means the oil is a blend of refined and virgin olive oils.
While olive oil is rich in fat, it is primarily monounsaturated fat which is better for you than saturated fat. Scientists have determined that particles of LDL ("bad") cholesterol that contain monounsaturated fats are less likely to become oxidized and stick to artery walls, eventually forming the plaques that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. A recent study, published in the Medical Science Monitor, of 28 individuals with high cholesterol showed that, when the saturated fat was removed from their diets and replaced with olive oil, their LDL cholesterol levels dropped an average of 18 percent. Scientists believe that the polyphenolic compounds found in olive oil inhibit the adhesion of cells to the blood vessel lining, thereby preventing atherosclerosis.
The polyphenols present in olive oil are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticoagulant benefits, and may help fight osteoporosis, colon cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and arthritis. The positive affect of olive oil's polyphenols on bone health are so dramatic that France's National Institute for Agricultural Research has been licensed to use them in food, supplements and herbal medicine for the prevention of osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women used in a crossover study were found to have decreased inflammation-mediated bone loss and their DNA experienced 30 percent less damage when consuming extra virgin olive oil. This is due to the antioxidants found in olive oil, which are free radical scavengers.
A recent study found that the oleic acid found in olive oil may help fight breast cancer. Oleic acid, the primary monounsaturated fatty acid present in olive oil, has been found to reduce the expression of Her-2/neu oncogene, which has been related to the aggressive growth of breast cancer. Her-2/neu levels are high in one-fifth of breast cancer cases, particularly those that are resistant to treatment. Oleic acid promotes the suicide (apoptotic) of aggressive, treatment-resistant cells. The anticoagulant properties in olive oil have beneficial effects on the endothelium, the thin layer of cells that lines every blood vessel in the body. The endothelium facilitates blood flow and regulates blood clotting and the adhesion of cells to the vessel walls (which leads to the formation of plaque). After eating a meal, the endothelium is usually impaired for hours, but scientists at Reina Sofia University Hospital in Cordoba, Spain, found that after consuming virgin olive oil its function actually improves. In addition, the amount of nitric oxide in the blood increases, which relaxes the blood vessels.
Olive oil may also be useful as a mild pain reliever. Pennsylvania biologist Dr. Gary Beauchamp found that, when he tasted high quality olive oil, the stinging sensation it left in his throat resembled the sensation caused by ibuprofen. After studying olive oil further, he discovered a compound in the oil that suppresses the body's prostaglandin system and functions like a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. He found that approximately 4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil contains roughly the same amount of anti-inflammatory compounds, or oleocanthal, as 10 percent of the ibuprofen recommended for pain relief in adults. While this amount won't cure a headache and many diets should not include this much oil, daily consumption can prevent inflammation and provide similar benefits as long-term ibuprofen use without the risk of intestinal bleeding and kidney damage. To find out how much oleocanthal is in your olive oil, scientists suggest tasting it. The greater the sting, the greater the oleocanthal content.

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A Miracle Called Honey

Living up to its name as the "Nectar of the Gods," honey and other bee products historically have been hailed for a wide-range of uses, including quick energy for workouts, to increase fertility, to halt decomposition in certain foods, and increase overall nutrition. It is used in skin products, to soothe sore throats and to increase intestinal health. Truly a miraculous substance, honey and other bee pollen products come in almost as many varieties as wine but offer many more benefits.

Before grape wine was ever introduced, people in ancient Crete were consuming "honey wine," made from honey, water, yeast and added flavors. The word "honeymoon" stems from Anglo-Saxon times when newlyweds would take a fermented honey drink, called mead, every day for a month to increase fertility. Honey wine was popular throughout history in Northern Europe; so popular, in fact, that the word for "drunk" in classic Greek is translated as "honey-intoxicated."

The most commonly known bee product is honey, which is a concentrated energy source and contains antioxidants and amino acids, as well as a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin, Pantothenic acid and minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. Although these substances appear in trace amounts and vary depending on the honey's floral source, they contribute to the overall nutritional benefit of honey. There are over 300 floral sources for honey in the United States, including clover, alfalfa, buckwheat, blackberry, and orange blossom. A honey's flavor, color, and consistency are usually determined by the dominant floral source in the area where the honey is made. Lighter-colored honeys have a milder taste, while darker-colored honeys are usually bolder in flavor. Darker honeys also tend to have a higher mineral content and greater antioxidant potential.

Honey contains natural sugars that are quick and easy to absorb, making the journey from table to bloodstream in a record-breaking seven minutes. The natural sugars present in honey are glucose and fructose, and recent studies suggest that this unique mixture of sugars works best in preventing fatigue and enhancing athletic performance, and it won't cause the sudden drop in blood sugar that is associated with refined sugars.

A limited study at the University of Memphis Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory found honey to be one of the most effective forms of carbohydrate gels to ingest just prior to exercise. Many post-workout products on the market combine large amounts of carbohydrates (usually maltodextrin) with protein. In a comparison of a honey-protein versus a maltodextrin-protein shake taken after a vigorous weightlifting workout, the honey-protein combination was as efficient at promoting muscle recuperation, and the blood sugar of the participants who consumed the honey-protein combination was sustained for at least two hours post-workout. Athletes may also benefit from using honey for its antibacterial properties, which can help clear infection in wounds, as well as the anti-inflammatory action of honey, which can reduce pain and improve circulation, speeding the healing process.

A natural preservative, honey has also been used for centuries to keep food from degenerating. It reduces enzymatic browning in fruits and vegetables and prevents lipid oxidation in meats, and can delay spoilage in baked goods, dairy products, meats, sauces, snacks and spreads. Some manufacturers have taken advantage of this quality, using it in cereal bars and on certain vegetables.

Skin care manufacturers have used honey for its moisturizing qualities in everything from hand lotions and moisturizers to bar soaps and bubble baths. It is valued as an effective ingredient in skin care products because it is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture, and for its anti-irritant properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products. Cleopatra's legendary milk and honey baths are just one of many historical examples of how honey has been used to improve and protect skin and beauty.

Historically, the beautifying properties of honey were only one benefit, but its main use was assisting in fertility. British beekeeper Clive Brockdorff and his wife Susan Fletcher, a nutrition consultant, sell honey to enhance fertility and sexuality through their Norfolk-based company, Apitherapy Foods. "Put a woman who's struggling to conceive on bee pollen and you can pretty much guarantee a result within two or three months," Susan claims. Several studies both in Europe and the U.S. have examined the beneficial links between bee pollen and sexual health and have proven its ability to restore and rejuvenate tired or aging sex glands in both men and women. It can also increase sexual stamina and endurance and improve sexual dysfunction caused by prostate disorders, stimulate ovarian function, and increase the biological value of the egg.

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